Ukraine and Russia both trace their origins to the medieval state of Kievan Rus’, yet their paths diverged dramatically over the centuries. Today, Ukraine is widely considered closer to Europe culturally, politically, and mentally than the Russian Federation. This article explores the historical roots of Russia and Ukraine and explains why Ukraine naturally aligns with European values.
The Common Origins in Kievan Rus’
The story of Kievan Rus’ is the story of shared ancestry for both Ukraine and Russia. Founded in the late 9th century by East Slavic tribes under Viking (Varangian) leadership, Kievan Rus’ centered on Kyiv, now the capital of Ukraine. Through trade with Byzantium, the region flourished, adopting Christianity under Prince Volodymyr in 988.
Kyiv became not just a trade hub but also the spiritual and political heart of Eastern Europe. This shared Slavic heritage is why modern Russia and Ukraine both see Kievan Rus’ as part of their historical narrative.
How Ukraine and Russia Took Separate Paths After the Mongol Invasion
A key turning point came with the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. Kyiv was devastated, and while its western territories gradually came under European influence through the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, northeastern Rus’ territories fell under Mongol-Tatar rule.
This divergence matters:
- Ukrainian lands were exposed to European laws, education, and religious pluralism.
- Muscovite lands, centered around Moscow, were molded by autocracy, militarization, and centralized power, heavily influenced by the Mongol model of governance.
This East-West split laid the foundation for Ukraine’s European orientation and Russia’s centralized authoritarianism.
The Rise of Moscow and the Birth of Russian Imperial Mentality
As Muscovy grew in strength, especially after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, its leaders framed Moscow as the “Third Rome”—a new Orthodox center of power. This religious and political ideology fostered a distinct Russian identity separate from European trends, emphasizing Orthodox conservatism and imperial ambitions.
By the time of the Russian Empire, the cultural split between Ukrainian and Russian societies was clear. Ukraine had been absorbing Western European thought, while Russia leaned toward imperial expansion and autocratic rule.
Why Ukraine Developed a European Mentality
Several historical forces explain why Ukraine is mentally closer to Europe than Russia:
1. Long-Term Integration with European Institutions
From the 16th century, large parts of Ukraine were integrated into European legal, educational, and religious systems through the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This exposed Ukrainian elites to Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment ideas.
2. Cossack Democratic Traditions
The rise of the Cossack Hetmanate introduced concepts of military democracy and local self-governance. Unlike Moscow’s top-down autocracy, Ukraine developed traditions of elective leadership and popular assemblies (rada).
3. Modern Democratic Movements
Ukraine’s modern history features pivotal democratic revolutions:
- Orange Revolution (2004)
- Euromaidan (2013–2014)
These grassroots movements demonstrated a widespread desire for European integration, rule of law, and human rights, in stark contrast to Russia’s authoritarian consolidation under Putin.
4. European-Oriented Identity
For many Ukrainians today, “European” means democratic, pluralistic, and modern. The waving of EU flags during Euromaidan was not just symbolic—it was a political statement rejecting post-Soviet authoritarianism in favor of European democracy.
5. Religious Independence
Ukraine’s religious independence also reflects this divergence. The formation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (2019), separate from the Moscow Patriarchate, symbolizes Ukraine’s move away from Russian cultural dominance toward European Orthodoxy.
Ukraine vs. Russia: Two Mentalities, Two Futures
| Aspect | Ukraine | Russia |
|---|---|---|
| Political Model | Democratic aspirations | Centralized autocracy |
| Cultural Identity | European, pluralistic | Imperial, conservative |
| Foreign Orientation | Integration with EU/NATO | Confrontation with the West |
| Historical Influence | Polish-Lithuanian, European | Mongol-Tatar, Byzantine |
Conclusion: Ukraine’s Natural Place in Europe
The roots of modern Ukraine’s European identity run deep. Its Western connections, democratic traditions, and cultural openness contrast sharply with Russia’s legacy of imperialism and authoritarianism.
While both nations share Kievan Rus’ as a common origin, Ukraine’s historical experiences have aligned it far more with Europe—politically, culturally, and mentally. Understanding this helps explain not only today’s Russia-Ukraine conflict, but also why Ukraine’s future is seen by many as firmly tied to Europe.